Change of Scenery

Do you run the same route everyday, or do the same workout routine on a continual basis?  Are you a creature of habit?  Most of us are, which causes us to lose interest in our workouts.  Thus, we start putting them off or ignoring them completely.  It is hard to avoid this trap, but a conscious effort to mix things up and the occasional change of scenery will keep you from going insane.  Below are 5 simple things you can do to create a change of scenery and bring the excitement back into your workouts.

1. Reverse the order of the exercises in your normal workout routine.  
2. If you always run the same loop, go the opposite direction today.
3. Run or workout at a different time of day.
4. If you are scheduled to run 7 miles today, have someone drive you 7 miles away from your house and drop you off. 
5. Next Saturday, take a day trip to run, bike, or walk a trail that you've never experienced.  It can be as far away or as close to home as you want it to be, but the simple change of scenery will add some much needed excitement.

I encourage everyone to make a conscious effort to avoid becoming a creature of habit.  It prevents you from seeing and experiencing the simple pleasures of life.  Please comment if you have fun, creative ways to mix up your workouts and avoid boredom.  The above image was published in the May 4, 2008, NY Times article entitled "Can You Become a Creature of New Habits?" http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/04/business/04unbox.html?_r=3&scp=1&sq=habit&st=nyt&oref=slogin&oref=slogin